Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Breaking down depth chart at inside linebacker
By Rob Leeds
The middle linebackers in Todd Bowles’ 3-4 defense look to be a prominently featured group in 2019 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In a 3-4 defense the inside linebacker is one of the most important positions on the team due to the required versatility of the players, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers loaded up on flexible players this offseason. On some downs these players are dropping into coverage over the top or could have zones that encompass a large amount of space in the middle of the field. On other downs these players serve as pass rushers up the middle while one of the outside backers could be dropping off into shallow coverage.
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Whatever they are called upon to do, these players have to be beasts and the Buccaneers sure have them. The starters at this position could not be clearer. Veteran linebacker and former outside linebacker Lavonte David will play in the middle alongside first round draft pick Devin White.
This has been known to everyone in the Bucs organization for many months, and barring anything catastrophic occurring this will be the duo that plays the first snaps against the San Francisco 49ers in September. Look for 54 and 45 to roam the middle of the field together on week one.
Past these two is where the speculation will begin and will be wholly dependent on training camp and the remainder of this offseason. This group is comprised of a number of free agent signings made up of a combination of young untested players and journeymen from around the league.